Hays County – Living, Learning, Working

Hays County is located on the Edwards Plateau in Texas, and in 2009 had a population of 155,545 (an increase from the 2000 census). Hays county was named after John Coffee Hays, a Texas Ranger and Mexican-American War officer. Hays county contains many cities & towns including Austin (primarily in Travis County), Bear Creek, Buda, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, San Marcos, Wimberley, and Woodcreek.

PEOPLE

Population (2009)

155,545

Person per square mile (2000)

143.9

Homeownership Rate (2000)

64.8%

Households (2000)

33,410

Persons per household (2000)

2.69

Median Family Income (2008)

$57,410

Persons below poverty (2008)

14.2%

Children below poverty

16.6%

BUSINESS

Private nonfarm employment (2007)

36,215

% Change from 2000

50.6%

Retail Sales – x 1000 (2002)

$1,246,255

Retail Sales per capita (2002)

$11,191

Minority-owned firms (1992)

636

Women-owned firms percent(2002)

22.8%

LABOR FORCE

Persons in labor force (1990)

33,216

Administrative Support

18.3%

Professional Specialty

17.3%

Executive/Managerial

13.3%

Sales

11.3%

Service (not household)

10.6%

Production/Craft/Repair

9.5%

All Other

19.7%

Resources

There are Centers within Hays County that provide access to many of the services described below. Other services may be offered at each location as well. For more information please visit this link.

Individuals receive information on how to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

Access to Child Care

Individuals receive information about child care services in the area; employers receive information about available credits; and care givers receive information about assistance available for continuing education.

Employment and training services are provided for applicants and recipients of cash assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Post-employment services are also available to help customers retain employment. Support services, such as transportation and child care assistance, are available to assist customers in their search for employment and to maintain employment.

Employment &Training for Food Stamp Recipients

Food Stamp recipients receive employment and training services to help them become employed and self-supporting. Employment, job search/job readiness activities and educational or vocational training are offered, as well as transportation and dependent child care expense reimbursement.

Employment Support Services for Welfare Recipients

TANF recipients who meet certain criteria receive a variety of employment and support services, such as job placement services, on-the-job training, skills or occupational training, and transportation assistance.

Training for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth

Centers coordinate training for eligible individuals, including activities such as occupational skills training, on-the-job training, work experience, GED preparation, and support for child care and transportation.

Access to Adult Education

Customers may obtain information about and access to adult education opportunities in the area.

Referral to Apprenticeship Programs

Centers provide information to applicants on job training programs that prepare them for occupations in the skilled trades and crafts; combines on-the-job training under supervision with classroom instruction.

Employment Services for Ex-Offenders

Project RIO provides a linkage between education, training and employment during incarceration and employment, training and education upon release of convicted felons and adjudicated youth in Texas. Staff in the Texas Workforce Centers provide case management, job referral, job development and counseling to assist released ex-offenders with obtaining and retaining employment.

Employment, Training, and Support Services for Individuals affected by Layoffs or Imports (NAFTA/TAA)

Employment services, training, job search, and relocation allowances are provided to qualified individuals who lose their job as a result of mass layoffs or plant closings, or increased imports.

Employment and Training Services for Veterans

Veterans may receive specialized services, such as counseling, job-search assistance, referral, and placement.

Employment Services for Individuals under the National and Community Services Act

Customers can obtain information on participating in a volunteer or community service program in the areas of education, human needs, the environment, or public safety.

Literacy Services

Literacy services place emphasis on ensuring adults have the basic skills necessary for employment.

Access to Post-Secondary Career and Technology Training

Customers may find information on training available from a variety of providers, such as local trade and technical schools as well as community colleges.

Employment Services for Senior Texans

Information about special employment services for senior Texans, who are 55 and older, is available at local centers.

Claims for Unpaid Wages (under the Texas Payday Law)

Individuals who believe they have not been paid all wages earned may obtain a Wage Claim form for completion and submission to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Hays Employers

The resources listed below are links to job posting or hiring information for employers in this area.